Lokpal Bill before 15th August 2011

Law minister M Veerappa Moily, who is also one of the 10 members of the committee formed to draft the anti-graft Lokpal bill, said on Tuesday that government is very keen on passing the bill but the deadline of 15th August to frame the bill will seem tough until everyone comes forward and cooperate.

While speaking in a TV interview, Moily said that it will be heartily welcomed if all political parties agree to the introduction and passing of the bill as the government is very keen on this issue.

The drafting committee has five representatives from civil society and five are from the government side which was formed as a result of the four days fast of Anna Hazare who demanded the participation of the members of civil society in the drafting of the bill.

Moily also reiterated the fact that the government will be offering no help if some parties wanted to take the bill to a standing committee of parliament after its introduction. Making the matter more clear, he said that once the drafted bill is handed to the standing committee, it is for the standing committee to expedite it.

He also told that it would be better if none other parties including opposition created hindrance in the passing of the bill.

Earlier, Anna Hazare had told that he would protest again if the bill was not passed until the deadline of 15th August.